Surface condenser.



L. D LOVEK|N.. SURFACE CONDENSER.

APPLICATION min ma. 6. 1911.

L www@ Patented Apr. 30,1918.

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Il oaoohoooomIooooo I o oooHo o elle o o oooolkaoooolo o o l@ I n l@ k l w1 m m n Inventar L. D. LOVEKIN. SURFACE coNnENsER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6. 19|?.

Patented Apr. 30,1918.

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nunoounoneo n n ou ouonaouoo onnnuooaon e on aan ervnuuaeoononn u LUTJII t; JD. LOVEKIN, OIF PHILELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SFACE CONDENSED.

nannies.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that li, LUTHER D. LOVEKIN, a citizen of the United States residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Surface Condensers', of which the following is a true and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

The general object of my present invention is to provide a surface condenser which will be efficient in operation, and Will have a relatively large capacity per unit of volume and weight, and wllldeliver condensate at a lrelatively high temperature. My improved condenser `is of especial utility for use in units of relatively large capacityy and its compactness, coupled with certaln o erat.

ing advantages hereinafter explaine especially adapts it for use on battleships and in other places where the normalload` is much smaller than the maximum load which must occasionally be handled for con# siderable periods of time.

The various features of novelty which characterize my invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

For a better understanding of thev invention,

however, andof its advantages, and of specific objects obtained with its use reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which I have illustrated preferred embodiments ofmy invention.

Of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 1 1 of Fig.I 2;

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 2m2 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a transverse section of a modified construction.

In the drawings and referring first to the -construction illustrated in Figs. land 2, A

speiaanon of Letters Patent. Application tiled March 6, 1917. Serial No. 152,734.

Patented Apr.. 3U, fait The headrC is provided "with a` bottom inlet C', and an upper outlet C-2 for the cooling water. rlihe inlet C opensv into an inlet chamber C3 and is separated from the outlet chamber C4 by a partition member C5, the shape of which is shown in Eig. 2. The end member D is formed with a single water chamber D. The horizontal condensing tubes E and e, extending through the condensing space are connected to the tube sheets in the usual manner, and connect the water chambers C3 and C*t of the end member C to the water chamber D in the'end member D. v

- The condensing space is dividedinto two zones or sections, a primary zone traversed by the tubes E and a lsecondary zone traversed by the tubes e; The tubes e traversing the secondary condensing zone or section are arranged in a stack or nest` rising from the bottom of the condenser shell and having vertical sides and an oppositely tapered or wedge-shaped upper end. f The latter is located some distance below the top of the condensing space and is covered by a roof or rain-plate f in the form of `an in verted trough.

Advantageously, as shown, rain-plates f parallel to the oppositely inclined sides of the roof member f, are arranged at intervals in the stack of tubes e. The bailies or rain-plates f are, in the construction illustrated in the Figs. 1 and 2, in contact at their upper edges with a pair of vertical perforated plates G. The latter are .spaced apart and thus provide between them a vertical air channel g. in communication with the condensing space from the to to the bottom of the stack of tubes e and fPiom one end of the condensing space to the other through distributed apertures G.

The plates G are connected at their lower ends through oppositely tapered plates G to the horizontal plate G3 which closes the lower end of the air channel and is located somewhat above the bottom of the condenser shell. A tubular part or pipe section Gt leads to the condenser outlet A2 from a port opening through the plate G3 into the lower end of the air channel g. The lower i end of the pipe section Gr4 dips into the annular channel or trough A3 provided at the margin of the condenser outlet A, thus forming a water seal through which water yof condensation may freely flow, while compelling a1r escaping from the condensing` tion A9, secured'to the condenser shell and communicating with the outlet A2, is formed with a tubular part A4 which extends through but does not lill the conduit G1 and terminates at its lower end in an outlet A5. A baille G5 prevents any condensate forming in or falling through the air channel g from falling directly into the upper end of the tubular` part A4. The connection A9 is also formed with a channel A6 communieating at its-upper side with the annular space between the conduit G4 and the tubular part A4, and having two outlets A8 and A? only one of which is intended to be in use at any one time. In one contemplated Inode of use, the outlet Atis connected to any .suitable dry air ejector and the outlet A7 is connected to a condensate pump. ln this use of the apparatus the outlet A8 is closed. ln another contemplated mode of use of the apparatus the outlets A5 and A7 are both closed and the outlet A8 is connected to a wet air pump employed to remove both the condensate and air from the condensing space. With either mode of use the water seal provided by the extension of the tubular part G4 into the trough A3 compels the air escaping from the condenser to pass through the air channel g and part G4. The primary condensing zone traversed by the tubes E, in the preferred construction illustrated, is U-shaped in cross section and extends over and down at the sides of the secondary zone from which it is separated by the vertical water passages H at the sides of the secondary zone, and by vthe inclined channels or spaces H lying immediately above the roof plate f. lnclined ballles or rain-plates F are suitably disposed among the tubes E to provide short separate paths of flow across the tubes E for the steam entering the condenser through the inlets A, and thus properly distribute the steam through the primary condensing space, while each may carry the water of condensation formed in the group of tubes above it into the water passages H and H. To prevent the water of condensation from forming continuous films or Water veils in the water channels H, which would interfere with the free flow of air and uncondensed steam across the water channels H from the primary condensing zone into the secondary condensing zone, short gutter pieces `or barriers f5, each shown as of angle bar section, are secured to the lower edgesof the roof plate the rain-plates f, and the rainplates F, aving their lower edges at the sides of the secondary condenser zone. These gutter or barrier parts cause the water of condensation to flow off of the rain-plates to which the are attached in a series of horizontally isplaced streams instead of in continuous films.

The partition member C separating the inlet and outlet chambers C3 and C4 in the end member C is shaped to register with the inclined water passages H and the upper portions of the vertical water passages H. The partition member C5 terminates at each end however, .in a horizontal portion eX- tending to the periphery of the condensers shell. Preferably never less, and usually more thanl half of the condensing space is comprised in the primary condensing section traversed by the tubes E. The primary group of tubes E are spaced away from the condenser shell to provide a steam inlet space in two sections and in communication with each steam inlet A', which together, practically cover the convex outer side of the group of tubes E.

In operation, all, or the major portion of the steam passing into the condenser through the inlets A is condensed in the primary condensing zone. The uncondensed residue passes from the inner surface 0f the primary zone into the secondary zone wherein its steam content, if any, is condensed, and its air content iscooled. The cooled air then passes intov the air channels g between the plates G.

With the described construction each condensing zone provides a relatively short, but very wide path for the steam. This is conducive to eflicient operation, maximum effectiveness anda minimum pressure loss between the condenser steam inlets A and the outlet A2. The capacity and efficiency of the apparatus is favorably affected moreover. by the protection to the lower tubes E and e from the drip from upper tubes which is furnished by the rain-plates F and f. Said plates by dividing up the condensing zones into a plurality of sections, each extending from the outer to the inner surface ofthe corresponding zone, also contribute to a desirable distribution of the steam and to the avoidance of stagnant collections of air in any portion of either zone. It is also a matter 0f some practical advantage that the various structural and operative features referred to may be obtained in a condenser of cylindrical outline.

The condensate formed in the primary condensing zone will pass to the outlet A2 of the condenser without coming in contact with the tubes e of the secondary condenslll) inserat ing zone and in consequence will be delivered substantially hotter than wouldbe possible if the condensate were subjected to the direct cooling action of the tubes of the secondary zone. The condensate formed in the secondary zone will be colder than that formed inthe primary zone, but when the` will be condensed in the primary zone, and

the condensate may be withdrawn from the condenser at a temperature but little below thel theoretical maximum possible with the vacuum existing in the condenser.

It is to be noted that the e'ect of oper' ating the condenser under such conditions that all 0r practically all condensation 0ccurs in the primary zone, is to increase the condensing capacity of the primary zone in comparison to its capacity when a substan-` tial amount of steam is bein condensed in the secondary zone. 'llhis is ecause of the "fact 4that when no condensation occurs in the secondary zone, the cooling water is admitted to the tubes E at practically the same temperature at which it is admitted to the condenser. Under these conditions the condenser operates, in edect, practically the same as a singleow condenser.

In Fig, 3 ll have illustrated a simple modification of the preferred form of apparatus illustrated in Fi 1 and 2. lln Fig. 3 the condenser shell A is provided with a single steam inlet A10, but a septum F10 insures l a substantially equal division of the entering steam, one-halfpassing to the ri ht hand upper quadrant and the other hal to he left hand upper quadrant ofthe condensing space, and passing into said con-` densing space through the periphery of the corresponding primary zone or section traversed by the tubes FA. The rimary condensing zone in Fig. 3 is divlded up into sections by baflies FA corresponding in arrangement generally to the, bames first descri ed. The secondary condensing zone in Fig. 3 is smaller relatively tothe primary condensing zone than in. Figs. 1 and 2; the tubes ea traversing this zone are divided vinto but two sections, separated by a central vertical air channel. The air box GA of Fig, 3 communicating with the air outlet A2 .between the upper use, at normal other features,

bailie f1 shown as located' about midway and lower edges of the air channel, prevents condensate from falling into the open upper edge of the air box GA. The secondary condensing zone is covered by a rain-plate fa corresponding gen-l erally to the rain-plate or roof f', of Figs. 1' and 2. The cooling water` partition C50 in Fig. 3, comprises'a central portion correspondin in shape to, and lyingabove the plate fa and horizontal'portions passing to the periphery of the condensing shellv from the level of the lower edges of the baiile fa.

While in accordance with the provisions of` the statutes I have illustrated and de-A scribed the best forms of my invention now known to me, it will be apparent to those n p skilled in the art that many changes may be made in the form of the apparatus disclosed without departing from the spirit of my invention, and that. certain features of my invention may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding usel of and ll do not wish the claims hereinafter to be made to be limited tothe particular forms of apparatus disclosed more than is made necessary vby the prior state of the art.

'Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. ln a surface condenser, .the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversingsaid space and divided into a secondary condensinfg group or stack rising from the bottomo said space, and a primary condensing group which extends over the secondary group and down at each side of the latter, and means for preventing water of conden- -105 sation formed 1n the portion of the condensing space traversed by the tubes ofthe primary group from flowing into the portion of the condensing space traversed by the secondary group of tubes.

2. In a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space and provided with separated steam inlet and air outlet ports for said space, of cooling Huid tubes traversing saidspace and arranged to 115 form two condensing zones or groups extending across the gas path between said inlet and outlet ports and separated from one another by vertical spaces, and means for causing water of condensation formed in 1 20 'each condensing zone to flow into said vertical spaces. A y

v3. ln a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing saidV 125 space and divided into a secondary condensing group rising from the bottom of said space, and a primary condensing group lllO which extends over the secondary group and of tubes being spaced apart to provide vertical spaces at the sides of secondary group, and a roof over said secondary group to divert water of condensation forming in the portion of the condensing space above it into said vertical spaces.

4. In a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space and having an outlet at its bottom for water of condensation, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space and divided into a secondary condensing group or stack of tubes rising from the bottom of said space, and a primary condensing group which eX- tends over the secondary group and down at each side of the latter, means for diverting water of condensation formed in the portion of the condensing space above the secondary group of tubes to the sides of said group, and airv discharging means including an air channel opening to said condensing space in` the portion thereof traversed by said secondary group of tubes.

5. In a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space and having upper steam inlet and lower water of condensation outlet ports for said space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space and divided into a secondary condensing group or stack of tubes rising from the bottom of said group, and a primary condensing group which extends over the secondary oup and down at each side of the latter said groups of tubes being spaced apart to provide vertical spaces between 1 the groups at the sides of said secondary group, and means for diverting water of condensation formed in the condensing spacel into said vertical spaces and causing it to flow downward .through the latter in horizontally displaced streams.

6. In a surface condenser, the combination withy a shell inclosing a condensing space and having upper steam inlet and lower water of condensation Ioutlet ports for said space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space anddivided into a secondary condensing group or stack of tubes rising'from thebottom of said group, and a primary condensing group which extends over the secondary roupy and down at each side of the latter, said groups of tubes being spaced apart to provide vertical spaces between the groups at the sides of said secondary group, and means for diverting water of condensation formed in the portions of condensing space 'traversed by the two groups into said vertical spaces and causing it to flow downward through said spaces in horizontally displaced streams. p

7 In a surface condenser, the combination with.a horizontal cylindrical shell inclosing a condensing space and having upper steam inlet and lower water of condensation outlet ports, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space and divided into a secondary condensing group or stack of tubes rising from the bottom of said space, and a primary condensing group which extends over the secondary group and down at each side of the latter and is spaced away from the' shell to provide a steam inlet space substantlally covering the outer or convex side of vsaid group of primary condensing tubes,

means for diverting water of condensation formed in the portion of the condensing space above said secondary group of tubes to the sides of the latter, and air discharging means including an air channel opening to said condensing space in the portion thereof traversed by said secondary group of tubes.

8. In a surface condenser, the combination with a horizontal cylindrical shell inclosing a condensing space and having upper steam inlet and lower water of condensation outlet ports for said space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space and divided into a secondary condensing group or stack of tubes rising from the bottom of said space, and a primary condensing group which eX- tends over the secondary group and down at each side of the latter, but is spaced away from the latter to provide vertical water spaces at the sides of the latter, and is spaced away from the shell to provide a steam inlet space substantially covering the convex outer side of said primary group of tubes, rain or baiile plates arranged among the primary group of tubes to divert water of condensation formed in the space traversed by said group into said vertical water spaces and to provide a plurality-of parallel paths of iow of approxlmately the same length from said steam inlet space to the other side of said secondary group of tubes, and air discharging means including an air channel opening to said condensing space within a portion thereof traversed by fthe said secondary group of tubes.

9. In a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space and provided with a lower outlet, of a nest of cooling fluid tubes traversing said space, means providing an air chamber opening within said nest of tubes, a conduit leading from said air chamber to said outlet and means providing a water seal between said conduit and shell through which water of condensation may pass, while said seal compels air escaping from the condensing space to flow to said outlet through said air channel and conduit.

10. In a surface condenser, the combination with a shell inclosing a condensing space and provided with a lower outlet, of a nest of cooling fluid tubes traversing said space, means providing an air chamber opening within said nest of tubes, a conduit leading from said air chamber down to said outlet, means providing a water seal benasales tween said conduit and shell, through which Water of condensation may pass While said seal compels air escaping from the condensing space to flow to said outlet through said air chamber and conduit, and an air pipe extending up through the outlet into said conduit but not filling either said outlet or said conduit. i

1l. ln a surface condenser, the combination With a shell inclosing a condensing space and provided With alower outlet from said space, of a nest of cooling fluid tubes traversing said space, means providing an air channel opening Within said nest of tubes, a conduit leading from said air channel down to said outlet, means providing a Water seal between said conduit and shell through which water of Condensation may pass While said seal compels air escaping from the condensing space to flow to said outlet through said air chamber and conduit, and comprising a connection to said shell closing said outlet and formed with a chamber or passage into which said conduit opens and which receives the over- How from said seal With one or morevoutlets from said chamber, and comprising also a tubular portion extending up into but not filling said conduit, and having an outlet external of said shell for the passage in said tubular portion.v

l 12. ln a surface condenser, the combination With a condenser body inclosing a condensing space and having upper steam inlet andl lower Water of condensation outlet lports for said space, and having Water chambers at the ends of said space, of horizontal condensing tubes traversing said space and connecting the Water chambers and divided into a secondary condensing group or stack40 of tubes rising from the bottom of said space, and a primary condensing ,group which extends over the secondary grou and down at each side of the latter, but 1s spaced away from the latter to provide vertical Water spaces at the sides of the latter, air discharging means includin an air channel opening to said condensing space Within a portion thereof traversed by the said secondary group of tubes, said body in- 50.

cluding a baffle or partition dividing one of said Water chambers intoseparate inlet and outlet compartments, said partition including vertical portions registering with said Water spaces.

i LUTHER D. LUVEKllN. 

